A growing number of older adults are being diagnosed with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, so Baltimore health officials and private health care providers are trying to spread the word about testing and prevention.

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The concern was the reason behind a free seminar at the Waxter Senior Center in Baltimore on Wednesday.

"When you look at the numbers for people living with HIV in the city in 2010, about 45 percent were over the age of 50, so we know this is an issue for older adults. I don't think enough attention has been given to them, either in terms of making them aware that they should be tested, that they should watch their sexual habits, and they should be aware of HIV/AIDS in their community," said Dr. Patrick Chaulk, the city's assistant commissioner for HIV and STD services.

Chaulk said testing is key. Last year, the city Health Department performed more than 46,000 free HIV tests.

"In terms of testing, people should realize that there's a home test available through most pharmacies, so you can in the security of your own home be able to test yourself," Chaulk said.

It's been a long time since senior Jessica Hurtt has sat in a sex education class. She said safety in the bedroom is something she used to take for granted, but not anymore.

"I thought i knew it all," she told 11 News. "So many of my friends had that false sense of security -- sexual things coming up that shouldn't be, and I don't really want to fall into that trap, so I'm trying to educate myself so I can take every possible precaution."

Over the next year, health officials said they will address other concerns involving seniors, including hoarding, mental health, financial concerns and elder abuse. For more information, contact the Baltimore City Health Department.